Lucy Flower High School 1927

PROJECT PROFILE Lucy Flower Technical High School for Girls (1927) Location: Chicago, Illinois Client: Chicago Public Schools Delivery Method: General Contractor

PROJECT OUTCOME In 1927, Michuda Brothers Construction completed the Lucy Flower Technical High School for Girls, a pioneering institution in Chicago's educational landscape. As the city's only all-female public high school, it provided vocational training and home economics education, empowering young women with skills for both professional and domestic spheres. The school's establishment marked a significant advancement in educational opportunities for women in Chicago.

PROJECT SCOPE Michuda Brothers Construction served as the General Contractor for the construction of Lucy Flower Technical High School for Girls. The project involved erecting a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to meet the specific needs of female students pursuing technical and vocational education.

Key Elements of the Project:

• Architectural Design: The school was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style, inspired by English institutions like the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford. This architectural choice was popular for educational buildings at the time, symbolizing academic excellence and tradition.

  
  

• Specialized Facilities: The building featured 40 classrooms, a library, gymnasium, lunchroom, assembly hall, and staff offices. These facilities were tailored to support a curriculum that combined vocational training with home economics, preparing students for various professional roles.

  
  

• Integrated Education: Accepting students from all parts of Chicago, the school was one of the few to provide an integrated education during a time when segregation was prevalent. This inclusivity fostered a diverse learning environment, promoting equality and mutual respect among students.

  
  

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Lucy Flower Technical High School for Girls holds a distinguished place in Chicago's educational history. Named after Lucy Flower, a prominent education activist and co-founder of the Illinois Training School for Nurses, the institution was dedicated to advancing women's education. The school's establishment reflected a progressive approach to female education, emphasizing both vocational skills and academic knowledge.

The building's architectural significance and historical importance were recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 2017. This designation underscores the school's enduring legacy in promoting educational opportunities for women and its role in Chicago's architectural heritage.

The successful completion of this project by Michuda Brothers Construction not only contributed to the advancement of women's education in Chicago but also demonstrated the company's commitment to building facilities that serve and uplift the community.